Driver reactions from the 2023 Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix
- Nick Krige
- 30 April 2023
Red Bull's Sergio Perez was left counting his lucky stars while Max Verstappen celebrated a good team result at the 2023 Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
The Red Bulls were the faster cars again in Baku, making it four races in a row to start the 2023 Formula 1 season but it was notable that the chasing pack did appear to be getting closer. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, for example, won pole position for both the sprint and regular races.
However, the sheer quality of the Red Bull was always going to overwhelm over a full race distance so it seemed as if it would be between Verstappen and Perez for the win from the get go.
The Dutchman overtook Leclerc early on to seize the lead of the race but the decision to pit before a safety car was called allowed Perez to overtake him and take control - which he never gave up.
"I had a bit of luck with the safety car," Perez said. "It was very close between me and Max and we pushed to the maximum today. Max pushed me hard but we managed to keep it under control."
Verstappen acknowledged the safety car's role but was still happy the team was able to secure another 1-2 even if he wasn't the race winner.
"The safety car was unlucky and I had to push again," Verstappen said. "I tried to stay close but the tyres were overheating and I was struggling with the balance to be consistent. In the end, it was a good team result.
"We know it is a very long season. Baku is different to the next race in Miami and Miami is different to other tracks. It cannot be perfect all the time."
Leclerc, who finished a distant third, acknowledged just how much better Red Bull than the rest of the grid right now.
"They are in another league when it comes to the race," said Leclerc, who finished 21 seconds behind Perez.
"We are working out what we can do in the race to close the performance to Red Bull."
